About Us
Franca Memorial Hospital (FMH)
is a story of services, sacrifices, and healings that spans generations. Established in 1976 as Franca Memorial Maternity, the institution began humbly in a one-room facility in Ogbunabali, within the heart of Port Harcourt Local Government Area (Phalga), Rivers State, Nigeria. It was founded by the great Legend, late Mrs.Nneoma Theresa Obi, a compassionate and highly skilled Nurse/Midwife who served with distinction at various health institutions in Rivers State, and pioneering a few of them, these include, General Hospital Odiabidi, Ahoda, Bori general Hospital Bori, general Hospital Isiokpo, General hospital Okomoko Etche, silver valley clinic Port Harcourt, and the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UTPH) until her retirement as Chief Nursing Officer in 1995.
Mrs. Obi’s vision was simple but powerful: to create a safe space where expectant mothers, regardless of status or financial means, could receive care and dignity during childbirth. From that vision came a maternity home that would grow to touch thousands of lives across the region. She rendered free delivery of babies to about 70 – 80% of the entire population of residents within and around her neighborhood,
known and unknown to her, giving out night wears and clothing’s to newly delivered mothers who did not come with spare cloths, and breakfast to as many she attends to. She would care for as many that are sick without asking or receiving money from them. She gave a 5 years free antenatal and post natal care (from 1990 -1995) to all women from her community in Imo state, Nigeria, who are residing with her in Port Harcourt, and four of these beneficiaries are currently Medical Doctors, some of whom are working here in FHM.
She was married, with 8 children, a devout christian, a faithful catholic till her last day, which she examplified in her love and care for all her patients. Most of her patients presented their family and personal problems to her, and like a mother Hen, she was able to mend a lot of broken marriages, saved thousands of children from abortion, offered counsel to the down trodden, paid a lot of tuition fees for helpless children, and rendered free nursing assistant training to young girls who were willing to be trained, with over 300 young ladies passing through her tutelage. A lot of whom have gone further to Nursing schools and are currently gainfully employed.
Legacy of Impact
Throughout its journey, FMH has remained deeply committed to community service. The hospital has delivered over 10,000 babies in the last 45years, including complex cases involving twins and triplets. It has also achieved a very remarkable surgical success rate, a testament to the skill of its medical team and the quality of its care.
But FMH is more than a place for treatment; it is a center of hope and humanitarian outreach. Many deliveries were provided free of charge, especially for emergencies and underprivileged women. Patients have received not only medical care but free meals, clothing (including underwear and shoes), and grooming services which is a reflection of the hospital's holistic approach to patient dignity.
The hospital’s charitable programs have extended to:
- Orphanages, including support for children with special needs
- Homes for the elderly, where medical outreach and welfare support were regularly provided
- Refugees and vulnerable groups, receiving free treatment and relief services
Mentorship and Empowerment
Mrs. obi was not just a caregiver, but also a mentor and builder of people. She personally trained over 500 young women as nurse assistants and caregivers, many of whom have gone on to establish their own health-related businesses or secure employment in hospitals across Nigeria.
Her mentor-ship was rooted in holistic development: she followed up on students’ academic progress, provided financial assistance and encouraged discipline and confidence. One of her most profound legacies is the life and career of Dr. Obinna whom amongst other medical consultants she raised with resilience, values and purpose preparing him not just to take over the hospital but to preserve its mission of service.
Our Legacy in Numbers
years of service
Babies Delivered
Subsidized Treatments
Women Trained
Today and Beyond
Today, Franca Memorial Hospital stands as a beacon of care and resilience. From one room to a hospital; from one nurse to a multidisciplinary team — FMH continues to uphold the values that shaped its beginning: dignity, service, compassion and community. As we move forward, our commitment remains unshaken to preserve the legacy of Mrs. Theresa Obi and to provide exceptional, affordable healthcare that transforms lives.
Your Health Comes First
Book an appointment today and receive compassionate, patient-centered care from experienced medical professionals you can trust.